Blackfriars Bridge, also known as St George's Bridge, is a grade II listed stone and iron single-arched bridge over the River Wensum in Norwich, England, carrying St George's Street.[1] A bridge at the site has existed from the 13th century. It was replaced during Edward IV's reign, then again in 1589, and for a final time by John Soane in 1784.
Blackfriars Bridge takes its name from the Dominican monks who established an extensive monastery in the area in the 13th century, and built a timber bridge across the Wensum. During the reign of Edward IV, the bridge was rebuilt.[2] In an assembly meeting held on 16 November 1562 it was noted that the New Mills and Blackfriars Bridge were 'in decay and required moche costes'.[3] It was replaced again in 1589 by a stone bridge with three spans.[2]
As a result of a need to improve the link of industrial Norwich-over-the-Water with the city centre,[3] the current bridge was designed by Sir John Soane, and built in 1783–4[4] by stonemason of Norwich John de Carle.[2] It was later widened.[4] The Ordnance Survey map describes the bridge as St. George's Bridge.[1]
Architecture
The bridge features a single rusticated Portland stone arch,[4] with voussoirs and coved niches,[1] spanning 44 ft 6 in.[2] It features simple cast iron railings, with balustrades at the ends that have lattice panels and pedimented sections.[1][4] The section of St George's Street that crosses the bridge is narrow at 10 ft wide, and its footpaths are supported on cantilevered iron ribs that carry the balustrades. On the west parapet is a hose spout.[2]
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